Hilary becomes the fourth tropical storm or hurricane to reach California intact, brings record-breaking rains

Hilary becomes the fourth tropical storm or hurricane to reach California intact, brings record-breaking rains

Tropical Storm “Hilary” — previously a Category 4 hurricane — reached California on August 20, 2023, marking its position as one of the rare storms to maintain integrity upon reaching the state. The storm, with surface winds over 80 km/h (50 mph), brought with it record-breaking rainfall and caused widespread flooding and power outages across the region.

Revival of California’s water: Satellite data reveals record gains

Revival of California’s water: Satellite data reveals record gains

California, under the grip of intense drought for years, experienced its highest year-over-year water gains in the last two decades, as revealed by the GRACE-FO satellite mission, a collaborative initiative between NASA and GFZ. Between October 2022 and March 2023, the state received sufficient rainfall to increase the water levels by approximately 50.8 cm (20 inches), roughly twice the average winter water gain since 2002.

Massive snowfall results in California’s largest snowpack on record

Massive snowfall results in California’s largest snowpack on record

17 atmospheric rivers and several non-atmospheric-river storms since December 2022 pushed California’s snowpack to its largest level in recorded history, surpassing the previous record set in 1982-1983. In addition, the state’s drought conditions have improved significantly since the start of the water year, with severe to exceptional drought conditions now covering only 6.99% of the area, down from 93% just one year ago.

EF-1 tornado hits Montebello, California — the strongest tornado to impact Los Angeles Metro area since March 1983

EF-1 tornado hits Montebello, California — the strongest tornado to impact Los Angeles Metro area since March 1983

An EF-1 tornado hit the city of Montebello near Los Angeles, southern California on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, ripping roofs off buildings, throwing cars around, and injuring 1 person. This is the strongest tornado to impact the Los Angeles Metro area since March 1983, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. It is also the second tornado to hit California within 24 hours.